FAQs

License Verifications to Another State

I am applying for a license in another state and they need verification of my North Dakota license. What do I need to do?

Verification to another state medical licensing board is processed using VeriDoc. Go to VeriDoc to request the verification of your North Dakota license to another licensing board. You will pay by credit card and the verification will be electronically sent to the state medical board. Verifications obtained through VeriDoc are accepted by all state licensing boards in lieu of any form they might have.

If you need a license verification sent to a location outside of the U.S., you will need to mail your request to the Board along with a check or money order in U.S. funds for $30.00. Please clearly indicate the address where the verification is to be sent. For more information, visit the Request License Verification on the Board's website. 

Names on License

A licensee must practice under the name on their license.  A licensee must practice under the legal name, unless otherwise authorized by the Board.  A licensee may practice under their maiden name or other court appointed name if the licensee provides verification of the practitioner’s legal name and maiden/court appointed name, along with a statement as to why they wish to practice under a different name other than their legal name, any past and future intended use of the name, and verification of names (marriage certificate, marriage dissolution documents, driver’s license, court records, etc. that would establish the name change).  This will be documented in the practitioner’s resources in the database in order to verify any names or aliases for licensure verification and discipline.  The use of a name other than the practitioner’s legal name with the above information will be reviewed and approved by the Board Chair and Executive Director – unless in their discretion, it should require full Board approval.

Where can PAs practice in North Dakota?

Please review the Practice Location information for PAs on the Board's website. 

Where do I find info on Telemedicine and/or other rules?

You will find statutes related to Telemedicine under North Dakota Century Code sections 43-17-01 (6); 43.17-44, and 43-17-45. 

New exceptions to licensure for certain telemedicine practices were adopted into North Dakota Administrative Code 50-02-15 and became effective January 1, 2025.

All statutes and administrative rules can be found under Laws and Regulations.

What are the application and renewal fees for a PA?

The application and initial licensure of a physician assistant is $100.00 plus a $5.00 processing fee - for a total of $105.00. The annual online renewal fee is $105.00.  The fee for background check is $40.00, payable by check or money order to the Office of the Attorney General. 

What could hold up/delay my application?

Failure to submit fingerprint cards, background authorization, and fees is a major reason for delay. Processing will not begin without those items being submitted.

If you answer any of the personal data questions with a "yes" answer, please submit all original supporting documentation and request that the court(s), police department, etc. send their documentation/transcripts directly to the North Dakota Board of Medicine.

Where can I obtain fingerprint cards?

Fingerprint cards should be available from any local law enforcement agency or at private fingerprinting companies but it is recommended that you call ahead first to confirm.  You may also email the Board to have them mailed out.

How long does it take for a PA application to be processed and a license to be issued?

Processing time of a PA application varies. We strive to process each application in a timely manner; however, the time does vary for each application. If the physician assistant has just completed a physician assistant program the processing time is typically a couple of weeks.  The processing time depends upon receiving the required documentation and background check.

Can I continue to practice as a PA without a current NCCPA certificate?

No, you may not practice in North Dakota without a current NCCPA certificate.

What is the scope of practice of a PA?

North Dakota Century Code section 43-17-02.1 outlines Physician Assistant scope of practice in North Dakota.

Can a PA prescribe controlled substances?

A physician assistant may prescribe and dispense schedule II through V substances as designated by the federal drug enforcement agency along with all legend drugs - as authorized under North Dakota Century Code section 43-17-.202(4).

A physician assistant, if prescribing or dispensing a controlled substance, shall register with the federal drug enforcement administration and shall comply with appropriate state and federal laws.  For more information, please visit the PDMP page on the Board's website. 

Does a PA need to collaborate with physicians and other health care providers?

Please review North Dakota Century Code section 43-17-02.2 for collaboration requirements. 

A physician assistant shall collaborate with, consult with, or refer to the appropriate member of the health care team as indicated by the condition of the patient, the education, experience, and competence of the physician assistant, and the standard of care. The degree of collaboration must be determined at the practice which may include decisions made by the employer, group, hospital service, and the credentialing and privileging systems of a licensed facility. A physician assistant is responsible for the care provided by that physician assistant and a written agreement is not required.

How do I change practice location(s)?

A physician assistant is obligated to inform the ND Board of Medicine of any employment change that falls outside of your current certification.  A physician assistant must ensure that the certification you provided to the ND Board of Medicine on your application and/or renewal is current and matches your current employment. To update your contact information, login to your Licensee Dashboard.

May a physician assistant supervise a physician in a residency training program?

A physician assistant may not supervise a physician in a residency training program.

My PA license expired due to non-renewal. How do I reactivate/reinstate it?

The physician assistant can renew and pay the past due amount if renewing within three years.  If renewing after three years the physician assistant will need to complete a new application.